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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Automotive Engineers

Median Salary
99,510
Job Outlook
+11%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

91%

Federal Government

3%

Self-employed

3%

Private not for profit

1%

State and local government

1%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 19,800 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$68,530

10%

$99,510

Median

$133,660

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    71%

  • Master's degree

    14%

  • Doctoral degree

    4%

  • Post-master's certificate

    4%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Electromechanical Engineering

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Design
  • Mechanical

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.